by: Rose Lenk
If you say the words Daytona Beach to a person with even a minimal amount golf knowledge, more than likely their mind's eye will draw up images of unending, gorgeous golf courses and fantasies of some of the best golfing that can be found anywhere in the world. And there is a good reason why that is so.
Daytona Beach is fast becoming recognized, not for its beaches and unsurpassed nightlife, but for the fun that it offers on the green. In fact, Daytona Beach is so interconnected with this sport, that it is rapidly becoming known as Florida's golf capital and is the new home of the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA), which recently moved their headquarters to Daytona from Texas.
Boasting of more than 30 golf courses including 20 championship golf courses, one could view Daytona as a sea of green and a golfer's paradise. From beginner courses to advanced courses, Daytona's golfing scene has an attraction for every golfing enthusiast no matter what his or her experience level.
Daytona's championship golf courses line the 23-mile expanse of the Daytona Beach coastline. With temperatures averaging little more than 70 degrees, Daytona's golf courses are ideal for spending an entire day on the green. And with great restaurants, resorts and area attractions nearby, a golfing vacation to Daytona is one that the whole family can enjoy.
One of the most popular golfing spots of the Daytona Beach area is Pelican Bay. This 18-hole champion golf course, designed by Lloyd Clifton, winds through a wilderness area complete with a series of water canals and lakes. This course is also visited often by area wildlife so you may just find yourself enjoying more than a relaxing round of golf under the Florida sun.
Another popular course among golfers is the Spruce Creek Country Club. Consisting of nearly 7,000 yards of fairways, lakes and greens, the Spruce Creek Country Club's course, designed by Bill Amick, sports 18 holes and perfectly manicured grounds.
And golfing at one of the more than 30 golf courses in the Daytona Beach is very affordable when it's not free. That's right, free. During the months of May through October, Daytona hosts a free golfing program where you can golf for free on many of the premier courses in the Daytona Beach area. This program is sponsored by the Golf Daytona Beach organization and is a favorite among die-hard golfers because greens fees can really add up if you golf everyday. The program works like this: If you stay at a participating hotel for two or more consecutive nights, you'll get a free round of golf for each day of your stay. You must play after noon, and cart fees are extra, but with greens fees averaging $30 per day, the free golf program is an exceptional deal.
While golfing for free everyday would be nice, it's not always possible. Some actually have to pay to play a round of golf. But when you have to pay in Daytona, it is more affordable than what you might think. With more than 20 champion golf courses designed by pros such as Arnold Palmer, Gary Player, Arthur Hills, Rees Jones and Lloyd Clifton, you might expect to pay an arm and a leg to golf these exceptional courses. But in fact, many offer very affordable rates, and when combined with accommodations packages, you can save an unbelievable amount of money.
You can even golf one of two premier courses of the LPGA for a reasonable price. One of those courses is known as The Champions Course and is the site of the prestigious LPGA Mercury Titleholders event. The second course, The Legends, just opened for public play last October. The LPGA facility also features a teaching academy with practice holes, greens and a driving range.
In addition to all of the great golfing to be had in the Daytona, Florida area, there are beaches, shops, fine restaurants, museums, attractions and entertainment galore. And who could forget that Disney World is less than an hour away. So, if you are looking for a dream vacation getaway for your family and a relaxing week of golf for yourself, Daytona may be just the spot to make all of your vacation dreams come true.